My robot gets stuck or moves erratically
Causes and solutions when your robot gets stuck or behaves unusually.
Robot gets stuck or moves erratically
If your robot regularly gets stuck, spins in circles or moves unusually, this checklist will help.
1. Prepare the environment
- Clear loose cables, shoelaces, socks and small objects from the floor.
- Fold carpet edges and fringes downward or secure them.
- Make sure door thresholds are no higher than 2 cm (older models manage max. 1.5 cm).
- Remove lightweight items like pet bowls or vases that the robot could push.
2. Check and clean wheels
- Turn the robot over and check that both main wheels spin freely and spring in and out.
- Remove wrapped hair, threads or dirt from the wheel axles.
- Also clean the caster wheel (front wheel).
3. Check the bumper
- Gently press the bumper in several times and check that it springs back freely.
- Remove dirt or foreign objects blocking the bumper.
4. Clean sensors
- Clean the cliff sensors on the underside of the robot with a dry, lint-free cloth.
- Clean the bumper sensors.
- For models with a camera (j-series, i-series, 100/200/400/500/700 series new): Clean the camera lens on top of the robot.
5. Specific error messages
6. Braava-specific notes
- Braava 300 series: Red NSI light flashes 2–6 times = robot is stuck. Free it and restart in a different area. 14 flashes = motor overheated – wait for the device to cool down.
- Braava Jet 250: Check that the cleaning pad is correctly attached and doesn't have any wrinkles.
Model reference
Applies to: all Roomba models (600 series, 680, 800 series, 900 series, e5, e6, i1, i3, i5, i6, i7, i8, s9, j-series, Combo, 105, 115, 205, Plus 405, Plus 406, Plus 505, 575, Max 705) and Braava models (300 series, Braava Jet 250, Braava Jet m-series).